Top 5 India vs Zimbabwe ODI matches in ODI history

An India-Zimbabwe ODI match is always given a step-motherly treatment these days. The mighty Indians are always expected to crush the little minnows from the African subcontinent.

Yes, India have got the better results out of the clashes, but there have been some nail-biting finishes in the past. Taking a look at history, one is forced to sit up and take notice of some amazing clashes between the two sides.

Zimbabwe have sprung more than a surprise on occasions, and have played their part in making these matches not only worth of a watch but truly memorable.

Here is a list of the five best ODI clashes between India and Zimbabwe:

Batting first, India reached a score of 248 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a fine batting performance by Indian all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar who scored a patient 91 off 126 balls.

The maverick Vinod Kambli and skipper Azharuddin also posted half-centuries to shore up the Indian total. Scores close to 250 were considered very safe in those days especially against an opposition such as Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwean innings didn’t have the best of the starts with two of their best batsmen Grant Flower and Alastair Campbell falling cheaply. Despite the struggles, they were kept in the game by their ever-dependable captain Andy Flower who made an impressive 56 off 82 deliveries.

Zimbabwe needed 10 off the last over with one wicket remaining when Prabhakar was given the ball. With hopes all but lost prior to the start of the over for Zimbabwe, Heath Streak and Rennie took eight off the first five balls and then scored off a leg-bye, but Streak was run-out attempting a second.

The match was tied, and both teams had to share the points, ending what was the first ever tied game played between them.